International Ataxia Awareness Day '08

In recognition of this day my Cousin Angela Greene and her husband Ricky Greene held a fundraiser. The fundraiser was held last Saturday in Martinez at the Greene Residence.

Angela and Ricky spent months preparing their new home for the event and the place looked great. They had 5 tables full of silent auction items and 4 tables of raffle prizes. The silent auction items ranged from gift baskets full of wine and cheese to sports memorabilia such as a football signed by the Raiders. The raffle prizes ranged from gift certificates to local restaurants to a Ride Ataxia Jersey. Most of the items were donated by friends and businesses in the Martinez community.

Dinner was provided courtesy of Outback Steakhouse and featured chicken, steak, greens, marinated mushrooms and mashed potatoes (my mouth is watering). Thanks to Outback we were able to cut costs big time and provide an outstanding meal, Thank You.

We estimated that there were about 80 people in attendance and we raised a total of $7,200! 100% of this money will go to the collaborative research efforts of the National Ataxia Foundation and the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. On top of that, I think we may have recruited a few participants for Ride Ataxia III.

We all had a great time with old friends and we made some new ones too.

A special thanks to Ricky and Angela for their hard work and dedication, you are truly making a difference.